Children’s books are such a fascinating area of Black literature right now. So many new books, new authors, new opportunities – it’s beautiful to behold and so inspiring! After years where there was a dearth of reading material intentionally by and for black boys and girls, we’ve come into a beautiful time of inclusivity, diversity…
Interviews
#IndieBrandLove — Gwen Jimmere of Naturalicious on Success, Sally Beauty and More!
One of the coolest things about being an OG in the natural hair and beauty space, is that I’ve had the opportunity to truly watch the space evolve. I’ve seen brands come and go, expand and shrink. I love watching the movers and shakers who approach this industry wisely. There are so many aspiring entrepreneurs…
My Hair Is a Garden by Cozbi A. Cabrera Is the Children’s Book I Wish I Had as a Kid
That moment when you encounter a book that’s a true keeper. That moment when you read a book you wish you had as a child, or wish you had written yourself. I felt all of that, the first time I beheld My Hair Is a Garden by Cozbi A. Cabrera. It’s just so beautiful. The…
FORM in Formation — Why I’m Loving This New Natural Hair Product Line
When I learned that a friend of mine with an impeccable grind had been hired by Walker & Company — maker of genius shaving brand Bevel — I had a suspicion that something amazing was afoot beyond the world of men’s grooming. Tristan Walker is a savvy entrepreneur who’s in this for the long haul. For…
Indie Brand Love — La’Roux Cosmetics
On Instagram, I use the hashtag #IndieBrandLove to highlight and celebrate the independent brands I’ve tried and can vouch for in terms of product quality. And now I’m sharing that spotlight here on Afrobella.com! Get to know some of my favorite independent fashion, beauty, food and cultural brands and let’s show them a little #IndieBrandLove!…
Totally Naturalicious –Gwen Jimmere Is Pure Inspiration AND Her Products ROCK!
Gwen Jimmere is the kind of woman that people admiringly refer to as a “go-getter.” Gwen is the creator of Naturalicious, a genius system of natural hair products. You may recognize her face and name from all of the articles being written about her lately – Gwen is the first African American woman to own a PATENT…
Afrobella Art – Tanekeya Word. Artist, Afrofuturist, Feminist, Visionary.
In 2011 I tried to launch a regular series called Afrobella Art. The intent was to feature images that inspire and celebrate our unique beauty, and the people who create and curate them. I started out OK but then ran into a wall of FAIL not too long after that because I was in…
Janelle Monae Is Electric. The Afrobella Interview
Beautiful, talented, enigmatic and introspective – an in-person experience with Janelle Monae gives you unique perspective on how the petite singer has ascended the pop music throne. When you see Janelle Monae in person, you’re awestruck at her gorgeousness and when she opens her mouth to speak or to sing, you’re compelled to listen. That…
Rumble With The Bee – Interview With The Daily Show’s Samantha Bee
This post has nothing to do with Lil Kim. And everything to do with coming face to face with your TV faves. I’m a big fan of The Daily Show, so when my friends at Dove told me the April Truth Day they wanted me to come to NYC for was being hosted by…
Honest, Funny, Awesome. Afrobella Interviews Heather Headley
Before I read the May/June 2012 issue of Caribbean Beat (the official in flight magazine of Trinidad’s Caribbean Airlines), I thought of Heather Headley differently. Undeniably beautiful, talented beyond words, and an accomplished singer with her own albums and Broadway legacy. She’s worldly, and incredibly talented. Heather Headley is a superstar. Before I read…